Physical Environment
Puerto Rico's terrain is mostly mountainous, although there is a coastal plain in the north and sandy beaches along most of its coast (Rivera, 2005a). It is strategically located along the Mona Passage, which leads to the Panama Canal. Many small rivers ensure that fresh water is plentiful, and the natural harbor in San Juan, the capital, is one of the largest in the Caribbean.
The climate of Puerto Rico is best described as “mild tropical” with few seasonal variations in temperature. The temperatures average about 80° F (26°C) most of the year. Humidity is high, but winds from the east keep the temperature moderate (Rivera, 2005a). The archipelago is vulnerable to occasional hurricanes, but less so than some of the other Caribbean islands (Puerto Rico, 2004).
Source:
The climate of Puerto Rico is best described as “mild tropical” with few seasonal variations in temperature. The temperatures average about 80° F (26°C) most of the year. Humidity is high, but winds from the east keep the temperature moderate (Rivera, 2005a). The archipelago is vulnerable to occasional hurricanes, but less so than some of the other Caribbean islands (Puerto Rico, 2004).
Source:
- Rivera, M. (2005a). Welcome to Puerto Rico: Geography. Retrieved from http://welcome.topuertorico.org/geogra.shtml